Our Gastroenterology Blog

Posts for tag: Colonoscopy

Visiting the doctor when you aren't ill can seem inconvenient and unnecessary. However, it's through these routine checkups that problems can be detected early and treatments can be easier and less invasive. If you're over the age of 50 or have a history of bowel cancer in your family, a routine colonoscopy should be at the top of your to-do list. Our team of physicians at Brookhaven Gastroenterology Associates in Suffolk County, NY explain why colonoscopies are so important and what's involved in the process.

Why are colonoscopies important?

Not all cancers produce obvious symptoms in their early stages. Colorectal cancer is no exception to this; it can progress to later stages before it shows any concerning signs. At this point, it can be very difficult to treat and may have spread to other parents of the body. However, medical technology has advanced to the point where cancer can be detected in earlier and more treatable stages through the use of screenings. In short, regular colonoscopies, performed by your Suffolk County gastroenterologist, could save your life.

What's involved in a colonoscopy?

After consulting with your Suffolk County gastroenterologist, your colonoscopy will be performed in a hospital environment under mild anesthesia; you will feel drowsy and likely not remember much of the procedure, so you'll need someone to drive you home afterward. As you lie on your side, a lighted tube will be inserted into the rectum and will allow your doctor to take a variety of pictures and then view the results on a monitor. The entire procedure takes between 20 and 60 minutes. If there are any areas of concern, your gastroenterologist will follow up with you.

If you need to schedule a colonoscopy, the team of physicians at Brookhaven Gastroenterology Associates in Suffolk County, NY will be happy to help you. Contact our office today for an appointment.

At some point, everyone should get a colonoscopy. Sure, our Suffolk County, NY, gastroenterologists know that any intestinal procedure isn’t really a day at the spa, but this diagnostic procedure is an important part of your preventive care, especially when you reach a certain age.

Getting a colonoscopy is something every man and woman should do once they reach the age of 50 if they are otherwise healthy and have no risk factors. A colonoscopy is the very best way to detect colorectal cancer.

Of course, there are some situations and symptoms that may warrant needing a colonoscopy earlier than 50 years old:

Unexplained abdominal pain

Rectal bleeding

Diarrhea/constipation

Sudden or unexplained weight loss

Any changes in your bowels

Chronic fatigue or exhaustion

If you notice that any of these symptoms last for a few weeks then it’s a good idea to give our Suffolk County intestinal doctor a call. When you come in we will better be able to determine whether a colonoscopy is the best way to detect the cause of your symptoms. It doesn’t matter what age you are, either. If you are experiencing these symptoms you should always get it checked out by a medical professional.

What are the risk factors associated with colorectal cancer?

Here are some of the most common risk factors linked to this form of cancer:

If you have any of these risk factors then you should start getting a colonoscopy much sooner than 50 years old. You may also need to come in more regularly for this diagnostic procedure. Those who are healthy, do not have any risk factors and have healthy results from their first colonoscopy may not need another one for 10 years. When you come in for your results we will better be able to determine how often you should come in for care.

Brookhaven Gastroenterology Associates in Suffolk County, NY, is here to serve you, whether you are dealing with symptoms abdominal pain or you need to schedule a routine colonoscopy. Call us today to learn more.

What is a colonoscopy?

A colonoscopy is a minor procedure that allows the doctor to see the entire length of your colon. A flexible, thin, lighted tube with a camera on the end is passed through your rectum throughout your entire colon.

Who should get a colonoscopy?

The American Cancer Society recommends that when you turn fifty, you should have your first screening colonoscopy, then one every ten years after. If at any age you have a change in bowel habits, begin passing blood, or have any other concerning problems, see your doctor. After an examination, your doctor will determine if you need to have a colonoscopy.

Why should I get a colonoscopy?

A colonoscopy can help diagnose colon cancer. In the United States, colon cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed. A colonoscopy can help detect colon cancer early. The sooner colon cancer is found, the chances of survival significantly improve.

Does a colonoscopy cause pain?

You will receive an anesthesia for the procedure called conscious sedation. This will cause you to feel very little to no pain during the procedure.

How do I prepare for a colonoscopy?

Your doctor will give you instructions on how to prepare for your colonoscopy. You will be given instructions to do a bowel prep, an oral laxative solution you drink to clean out you bowels. You will also be given instructions on what kind of diet to follow for the day or two before the procedure. This usually includes clear liquids and fasting. Following these instructions is very important.

How long does a colonoscopy take?

The procedure itself can take anywhere from fifteen minutes to an hour. You should plan on being at the facility for two to three hours to allow for preparation prior to the procedure and recovery time afterward.

What happens if something is found?

If the doctor sees an abnormal growth called a polyp, it can be removed immediately. If they see an area of abnormal tissue, they can take a biopsy of it. In both cases, the tissue is sent to pathology to be studied for a diagnosis. Your doctor will inform you of your results.

How can I expect to feel after a colonoscopy?

As you will receive anesthesia during the procedure, you will need someone to drive you home. You may be groggy and sleepy for a little while, but you will return to your normal self in a few short hours.

Call Brookhaven Gastroenterology Associates Today!

Knowledge is power. The more you know about what is going to happen, the more comfortable you will feel having a colonoscopy! To have more of your questions answered or to schedule a visit, contact Brookhaven Gastroenterology Associates in Suffolk County at (631) 289-0300 today.

Colon cancer is the third most common cause of cancer in the US, and the American Cancer Society predicts that approximately 96,830 new cases of colon cancer will be diagnosed in 2014 alone. With these shocking statistics, it’s important that everyone does their part to ensure that their colons are healthy. It might not be the first thought on anyone’s mind; however, it should be. Here is why it’s high time that you scheduled a colon cancer screening:

1. Prevention is key

Regular colon cancer screenings is one of the most effective ways to prevent colon cancer. Even if you don’t have symptoms, this test will be able to detect the smallest signs of the disease even if you aren’t experiencing any problems.

2. Polyps take years to develop

Most polyps take years to develop into colon cancer (as long as 10 to 15 years in some instances). When you get routine screenings, we can remove these polyps before they actually turn into cancer.

3. Stop the disease in its tracks

Even if a polyp has already turned into colon cancer, if we can detect the cancer early, it’s highly curable. That means going in for a regular screening could save your life and offer a significantly better prognosis.

When should I begin regular colon cancer screenings?

If you don’t have any risk factors, we recommend coming in for routine screenings after you turn 50. If you have a family history of colon cancer, have been diagnosed with IBS or have a history of colorectal polyps you’ll want to get screened sooner and more frequently. We would be happy to sit down with you and discuss how often you should be coming in for screenings.

Call Brookhaven Gastroenterology Associates Today!

If it’s time to set up a colon cancer screening, we would be happy to get you started. Don’t put this off any longer; the health of your colon depends on it!